The Amity Affliction

Formed in 2003 in Gympie, Queensland, The Amity Affliction emerged from the metalcore and post-hardcore scene that was taking shape around Brisbane. The band is anchored by bassist and clean vocalist Ahren Stringer and screamed vocalist Joel Birch; over the years, various guitarists and drummers have joined and left while that creative core remained intact. After several demos and EPs that established them on Australia’s independent venue circuit, The Amity Affliction released their debut album, “Severed Ties,” in 2008, followed by “Youngbloods” in 2010 and “Chasing Ghosts” in 2012, which strengthened their presence on national tours and specialist festivals. The discography continued with “Let the Ocean Take Me” in 2014 and “This Could Be Heartbreak” in 2016, before a more pronounced shift toward electronic textures and highly melodic choruses on “Misery” in 2018. With “Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them” in 2020 and “Not Without My Ghosts” in 2023, The Amity Affliction deepened a palette that alternates aggressive passages, prominent clean vocals, and atmospheric layers, with lyrics that address mental health, grief, relationships, and addiction head-on—elements that have become central to the band’s identity both onstage and in the studio.